Town hope to show their mettle against Iron men

Conor McLaughlin says Fleetwood Town will not give up their 17-game unbeaten streak without a fight as they head to second-placed Scunthorpe United this afternoon.
Fleetwood Town's Conor McLaughlinFleetwood Town's Conor McLaughlin
Fleetwood Town's Conor McLaughlin

Third-placed Town are level on points with the Iron, but while Graham Alexander’s side failed to win in the league in February, Uwe Rosler’s men head to Glanford Park on the back of three straight wins.

McLaughlin believes the key to their unbeaten run is a clinical edge up front coupled with a solid foundation at the back with nine clean sheets in 17 games.

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The 25-year-old said: “When Northern Ireland qualified (for Euro 16) we were on a 10-game (unbeaten run); this has surpassed it.

“It is probably the same for everyone else in the dressing room and we do not want to give it up easily.

“We are confident in each other that we will keep clean sheets at the back.

“If we can continue that, it gives a great basis for the strikers who have been scoring all season to go and win the game for us.

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“That is probably why we are up where we are; we stay solid at the back and we know that the strikers that we have will take their chances.”

McLaughlin has stepped in as captain due to skipper Nathan Pond’s knee injury and is thrilled to have worn the armband.

He said: “To be captain of any team is a massive honour.

“Unfortunately Pondy has been injured and I’ve just tried to help the lads with whatever experience that I have had.

“It has been a successful sort of period at the minute and hopefully it continues.”

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McLaughlin bounced back almost immediately from an ankle knock at Charlton Athletic to start Town’s last three games after missing the 0-0 draw with Rochdale.

After getting 90 minutes under his belt in the 3-0 win over Northampton Town he says he is back fully training.

He said: “I’ve just tried to get through it. I came through it on Saturday and it is feeling better.

“I’ve been fully training now so it is fine now.”

Town’s largest away following is expected to make the trip to Glanford Park, and as a result, McLaughlin told the fans to keep up their good work.

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He said: “Just get behind us as you always do and hopefully we will try and repay you.”

With Pond, Wes Burns, Martyn Woolford and Jimmy Ryan all doubts for the clash head coach Uwe Rosler says there may be one or two surprises.

He said: “Scunthorpe are a top team, doing well, living up to the expectation they had before the season; we just need to go there and be ourselves.

“We are prepared, whoever plays, whoever is available; there might be one or two surprises for you guys but you will see that tomorrow.”